Each prisoner and contact in Jail is different and the information in Correctional Facilities is always changing. Being able to effectively gather this information can lead to finding contraband, identifying gang members and affiliations, solving other crimes within the jail and saving an Officer’s life.

You have to be creative and ingenious while having a simple conversation with an inmate. Having good presence and a congenial personality goes much further than a harsh or callous attitude. Learn how to “talk-the-talk” and not over do it. Know how to control the direction of the conversation without making your contact feel like he or she is being interrogated. Just like anything else, this comes with practice.

Gang members are getting smarter every time they are arrested and incarcerated. Building your gang knowledge will benefit you in identifying who you’re dealing with, creating self-confidence, and at the same time, establishing yourself amongst gang members themselves. The OFFICER has to be confident, not cocky, in his or her approach. It is also crucial to guard against becoming lax.